Is your mobile phone being spoofed? Look out for these telltale signs, as you only have moments to detect them.
In recent months, spoofing has surged, a deceptive tactic where scammers impersonate trusted brands, sending SMS messages aimed at obtaining your sensitive information without your awareness.
Spoofing relies on a cunning tool known as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher or fake base station, portable devices that can be carried or installed in vehicles to target mobile users within a 2-kilometer radius. The IMSI catcher manipulates your signal to 2G via a false network, enabling fraudsters to send messages resembling legitimate ones from well-known brands, despite their fraudulent nature.
Spotting these spoofing attempts requires keen observation, as they unfold within seconds. Keep an eye out for three unmistakable signs:
Your signal downgrades to 2G/EDGE
Has your phone suddenly reverted to 2G/EDGE mode? If you’re unexpectedly finding yourself back in the realm of 2G or EDGE networks, especially in an area where you’re accustomed to 4G/LTE, it’s time to be cautious. This scenario could be a telltale sign of an IMSI catcher in the vicinity. Should you receive an unsolicited message immediately after noticing the signal downgrade, exercise caution.
You receive a message from a known sender ID with suspicious offers and garbled links
Have you received a message from what seems like a legitimate sender ID, offering something tempting or issuing a concerning warning along with a distorted link? Scammers have been impersonating popular brands like Globe and financial institutions to distribute spoofed SMS. These messages often include links with misspelled or fragmented company names (e.g., www.gl0be.ph or www.glo.be.ph), redirecting to pages designed to unlawfully gather your personal information. Keep in mind that Globe will never send clickable links in its official customer SMS alerts.
You suddenly lose access to mobile data
Spoofing operates within the confines of 2G networks, rendering internet access and other data services inaccessible once targeted. If you suddenly find yourself unable to access data services and receive peculiar or dubious SMS messages, it’s time to raise suspicions. This could very well indicate a spoofing attack.
It’s important to note that spoofed messages elude Globe’s spam filters by exploiting its secure network. Globe advises you to remain vigilant and safeguard yourself by refraining from interacting with such messages and refraining from clicking on any embedded links.
Globe continues to intensify efforts against fraudulent activities, implementing various measures to shield its customers. These efforts include deploying network probes to detect IMSI catchers and counterfeit base stations, as well as blocking SMS messages containing hazardous URLs.
Moreover, Globe relies on your cooperation to act as its watchdog. If you encounter any suspicious messages, report them promptly through the #StopSpam portal. Stay vigilant and scrutinize any messages soliciting personal information or urging immediate action.
“Combatting these scammers requires a collective effort, and you, our valued customers, play a pivotal role. Your awareness and caution serve as our strongest defense. While we’re committed to keeping you safe and informed, we need your assistance in fortifying your defenses against evolving scam tactics,” emphasized Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information and Security Officer.
For more details on how Globe is battling spoofing and other scams, drop by https://www.globe.com.ph/.
